A GRANDFATHER and granddaughter have teamed up to write a book about a mythical creature which lives in Wybunbury Moss.

Five years ago John Bailey and Rose Quigley set about telling the chilling story of Nellie Long- arms, a ‘water hag’ who lurks in the bog.

Now the book Nellie Longarms Will Get You is complete and available to buy. It was launched at Nantwich Bookshop on Saturday.

John said: ‘Rose was 10 when we first started writing the book but we thought it’ would be an excellent idea. I’ve always liked telling stories to children but I had never written one before. It’s been a fantastic experience.

‘It was my son who recommended we get it printed professionally and then Quayside Creative in Nantwich agreed to publish it.’

Nellie Longarms is the South Cheshire version of the North West’s famous ‘water hags’, whose role in folklore is to warn people off areas of dangerous water.

Across the region similar figures, such as Jenny Greenteeth, are the source of stories of hags who will reach out of the water to pull in the unwary.

Wybunbury Moss is a habitat unique in Europe – a floating bog consisting of a raft of peat floating on a lake more than 42ft deep.

Many bogs originated in the last Ice Age but at Wybunbury the subsidence of salt-bearing rocks caused the depression where the moss has developed and it provides a unique habitat for many rare plants and wildlife.

It is a deep and dangerous stretch of water, with holes in the raft of peat. For centuries the tale of Nellie Longarms has helped warn people away.

The duo’s book takes a look at the lives of Rose and Millie who get themselves into problems on their summer holiday at their grandparents’ in Wybunbury. It is written for those aged around 10.

John added: ‘There are mentions of the Crewe Alex, Wybunbury Delves primary school, Wybunbury tower, the village pubs and the Chronicle. I’m sure youngsters will enjoy the book.’

Access to the moss is limited to permit-holders and escorted tours because of the dangerous nature of the floating peat raft.

But Natural England will be constructing a safe path and from next year. For the first time members of the public will have the chance to see the centre of the moss for themselves.

Nellie Longarms Will Get You is £4.99 and is available from Nantwich Bookshop in High Street or at www.nellielongarms. co.uk.